AS a resident of Chapelfields, I feel sympathetic towards First drivers having to endure the disgusting behaviour of certain elements of society which must make their job a nightmare.

I have lived here since the early 1960s when it used to be a decent community, with a thriving parade of shops. Most people here are still decent, law-abiding citizens, but they are also suffering from the loutish behaviour of a few.

Last week my neighbour had his car windscreen smashed, this week eight more cars were damaged, including our own.

My husband is off work sick so we can ill afford the inconvenience, financial and otherwise. Every day beer bottles and cans are strewn about the grass verges by under-age drinkers.

I do not know the answer to this anti-social behaviour, but the causes are obvious - lack of discipline at home; teachers not allowed to punish in school; police whose hands are tied; magistrates who dish out ridiculous sentences; and a Government that encourages single parents instead of marriage and old-fashioned values.

We are frightened to park our cars outside our own homes, frightened to leave our doors unlocked and frightened of a future where if something is not done sooner than later, anarchy will rule.

Name and address supplied.

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, March 27, 2002